Rio Mesa in running for its first PVL title

The Spartans' four-game victory over Camarillo on April 9 marked the first time that Rio Mesa has ever defeated the Scorpions.

Now there's one another notable quest still on the to-do list.

No school other than Camarillo or Oxnard has ever won the Pacific View League championship.

In this decade, Oxnard has claimed three league titles, while Camarillo has four, including the last two. The two programs were co-champions in 2001.

The Spartans have more than a spiker's chance to end the two-team monopoly.

"Before the season began, our No. 1 goal was to make it to the playoffs," said Rio Mesa coach Jeff Holloway. "It has been awhile (three seasons) since this program has done that. But the way we're playing and the way we've come together, we want to win the league championship."

The Spartans' drive took a detour Tuesday night when Rio Mesa lost in five, tough games to Oxnard on the Yellowjackets' home floor.

But that only heightens the suspense for the regular-season's final two weeks.

Rio Mesa, Oxnard and Camarillo are locked in a three-way tie for first place at 4-1 apiece. Each team will play its two rivals to decide the league title.

Rio Mesa ends the regular-season with a two-step take takes on winner-take-all implications: The Spartans visit Camarillo on Tuesday, May 5, then play host to Oxnard on Thursday, May 7.

The Spartans' rise as title contenders coincides with the presence of Holloway as the head coach.

The former head coach at Ventura High took over the Rio Mesa boys' program a year ago. As a history teacher at Rio Mesa — and the girls' volleyball coach as well — he intends to stay awhile.

Continuity has been lacking for the Spartans in recent years.

"What was it, four coaches in five years?" said Holloway. "That makes it awfully hard on the kids who want to play volleyball in this program. I've got a wife and two daughters and I want to be here for a long time."

He has set out in two seasons to change the mind-set in the Spartans program.

"I'm not a totalitarian or anything like that," said Holloway. "But I have stressed to all of our players that they are here to work hard. I want them all focused on this team because that's the best way I know to instill a winning attitude."

A deep, balanced lineup has spearheaded the Spartans' rise to power.

Senior Steven Speakman has moved from outside hitter to middle blocker this season and has become the team's foundation. "Our rock," said Holloway.

Justin Hafen and Zech Burkhardt have been steady hitters, while Paul Dubuke has been a versatile, all-around contributor.

Holloway said the win over Camarillo on April 9 was a huge building block.

"It was amazing," he said. "It was huge for our program and definitely a big boost for our players."

Still, a three-game sweep over Pacifica earlier this month might have been the victory that shaped a season. When the two teams finished tied for third place at season's end last year, the Tritons earned the CIF-Southern Section berth by defeating the Spartans in a league playoff.

"Every time we've played them, we've gone five games," he said. "To beat them in three games gave us a big lift."

Playoff bound? After an 0-3 start in the Channel League, Buena may now be headed to postseason.

The Bulldogs defeated San Marcos in five games on Tuesday night to pull into a third-place tie with the Royals. Drew Hermanson and Weston Buker each had 17 kills.

Should Buena defeat Ventura for the second time in their rematch on May 5, then Buena would finish no worse than a third-place tie.

Marmonte showdown: The Marmonte League championship can be all but wrapped up Friday night. Or not.

Westlake (12-2, 8-0) can remain undefeated in league, and push out to a two-game cushion over both Royal and Thousand Oaks if it wins the rematch with Royal on its home floor.